The Lewis County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) has earmarked funds in support of the Youth Advocacy Center of Lewis County and renovations of the historic Fox Theatre in downtown Centralia, according to a news release from the county.
The BOCC decided Monday to use $100,000 from one-tenth of 1% sales and use tax revenues designated for therapeutic care, mental health and chemical dependency to allow the Youth Advocacy Center to hire a full-time care coordinator in support of services to child abuse victims and their families.
The funds are from unused revenues received in 2020 and 2021, according to the release.
“Addressing childhood trauma is critical,” Commission Chair Lindsey Pollock said.
Commissioner Sean Swope said the commissioners are grateful to be able to support both efforts.
“This is money well spent,” Swope said. “Our community needs this. This is protecting our children.”
Since January 2022, the number of referrals coming to the Youth Advocacy Center has doubled. Ninety-five children have received services at the center so far this year, an increase of 56% from 2021.
“The statistics are alarming and anything we can do to curb that is very important,” Commissioner Lee Grose said.
The county will also assist the historic Fox Theatre with $500,000 from the county’s share of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
The cost of construction materials skyrocketed during the pandemic, creating a need for additional resources, according to the county.
“It’s going to be a great facility, well worth the money,” Grose said.
“We’re actively fundraising, we have leads on new grant opportunities and this great amount of money from the county will be a difference maker,” Fox Theatre Renovation Project Manager Todd Chaput added.
Fox Theatre Board President Debbie Campbell said, “I’m pleased to see the county’s commitment in moving the theater renovations forward.”
The county also has used ARPA funds to support the Roxy Theater in Morton, Mayme Shaddock Park in Napavine and the Vader water system.
